No two pools are identical when it comes to determining the right heating solution. Not only are the user’s needs different, but environmental conditions like heat, wind and rain exposure impacts the efficiency of the heating equipment installed. In this article, we will discuss some of the factors that contribute to efficient pool heating and outline some simple steps that will improve your heating efficiency.
Surface Area and Volume
The dimensions of your pool and the surface available for heat exchange with the air are the most important factors to consider when thinking about pool heating. If you try to use a tiny heater to heat a large pool on a cold day without a pool cover, you will use a lot of energy for a barely noticeable increase in temperature. There will always be energy lost to the pool’s surroundings, so it’s important to have a system that is large enough to heat your pool faster than the air cools it.
Pool Blankets
Pool blankets are the easiest way to increase the efficiency of every pool heating technology you use. Even if you don’t want to use a heater, a pool blanket can absorb energy from the sun and heat your pool passively! Pool blankets also drastically reduce the rate of evaporation, saving you money on your water bill. They also reduce the flow of debris into your pool, saving you money on pool chemicals.
Type of Heater
Different kinds of pool heaters have different energy and thermal efficiencies that play a big part in the overall determination of your pool’s efficiency. Solar pool heating systems only use energy to power the pump that pushes water from the pool into the solar collecting unit on your roof. In the right arrangement, a solar pool heating system is all you will need to heat your pool through the summer months. A solar system can also increase the efficiency of any other pool heating equipment by taking the edge off the amount of heating that equipment is required to do.
In simple energy cost terms, a pool heat pump is more energy efficient than gas heaters because it will transfer more heat to the pool with the same energy consumption. This is because a heat pump is transferring heat energy from the surrounding environment rather than directly heating the water. However, in extremely cold conditions, a gas heater may out-perform a heat pump that isn’t large enough to efficiently heat a specified pool or spa. It is important to talk to a pool heating expert about your specific requirements and pool setup to determine the right technologies for efficient pool heating.
Contact Local Pool Heating
With 25 years of experience in the Sydney market, Local Pool Heating know a thing or two about designing heating systems for Sydney pools. To determine a solution that meets your needs, call us today on 0425 332 944 or enquire online.